Strinesdale RSPCA centre to close

Although part of a national charity, the Strinesdale RSPCA branch is financially independent of them and is self-funded

The RSPCA Bury, Oldham and District branch have announced that it is to close its Strinesdale Animal Centre from April 6 this year.

Rising costs and the impact of the pandemic have seemingly led to the decision.

An RSPCA statement read: "This decision will mean heavily financially subsidised neutering, micro chipping and veterinary care, as well as animal rehoming activity, will start to be wound down and will cease completely from Easter.

"Although we are part of a national charity, the branch is financially independent of them and is self-funded.

"Our only income is derived from local fundraising and our retail shops.

"Unfortunately, unprecedented rising costs, the impact of the pandemic on fundraising activity and the continued challenges from the high street on retail income have all contributed.

"The premises in Strinesdale in Oldham is to be sold with a view to opening a smaller unit in the future which the branch can sustain financially.

"The retail network of ten charity shops in the Bury and Oldham area will continue with any profits being put towards this future centre.

"All animals currently in our care will continue to be looked after until then and we will ensure a safe and suitable place is found for all our animals before we close.

"We consider ourselves to be very lucky to have had the dedicated and skilled team, ably supported by volunteers, who have cared for so many animals while the centre has been open.

"We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to them and are doing everything we can to support them.

"We would also like to thank everybody who has donated to the running of the centre.

"We hope that the public will continue to support our shops as customers and to donate stock to us."

For those wishing to continue their support, the Strinesdale base will continue to operate until April so to offer support financially until then, you can visit the RSPCA JustGiving page here

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